Abstract
BackgroundIndividualized, nutritional support reduced undernutrition among older stroke patients and improved quality of life in our recent randomized, controlled trial. Weight control thus seems to be important after stroke, and methods for monitoring nutritional status need to be simple and non-invasive. Here we aimed to assess if the nutritional intervention altered body composition in men and women in this study cohort, and also to examine the correlation between the methods for assessing body-, fat- and fat-free mass.MethodsAcute stroke patients > 65 years at nutritional risk were randomized to either individualized, nutritional treatment with energy- and protein rich supplementation (intervention, n = 58) or routine, nutritional care (control, n = 66) while in hospital. Body composition was assessed with anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance. The follow-up period was three months.ResultsDuring the first week while in hospital, weight loss was smaller in the intervention group compared with the controls (P = 0.013). After three months weight- and fat loss were significant in both men and women. Whereas no significant differences were found in changes in body composition between the male study groups, in the women both weight loss (P = 0.022) and fat loss (P = 0.005) was smaller in the intervention group compared with the controls. A high correlation (r = 0.87) between mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) and body mass index (BMI) was found.ConclusionsIndividualized nutritional support to older stroke patients in hospital was beneficial for maintaining an adequate body mass and body composition the first week and seemed to have a preventive effect on fat loss among women, but not among men after three months. Measurement of MUAC may be used in the assessment of nutritional status when BMI cannot be obtained.Trial registrationThis trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00163007.
Highlights
Individualized, nutritional support reduced undernutrition among older stroke patients and improved quality of life in our recent randomized, controlled trial
We have recently reported the results from a randomized, controlled trial in acute stroke patients more than 65 years at nutritional risk, and we observed that an individualized energy- and protein supplementation during hospital stay improved health-related quality of life and grip strength after three months [14]
This intervention reduced clinically relevant weight loss (i.e. ≥ 5% in three months) in the intervention group compared with the controls statistical significance was not reached (P = 0.055)
Summary
Individualized, nutritional support reduced undernutrition among older stroke patients and improved quality of life in our recent randomized, controlled trial. We have recently reported the results from a randomized, controlled trial in acute stroke patients more than 65 years at nutritional risk, and we observed that an individualized energy- and protein supplementation during hospital stay improved health-related quality of life and grip strength after three months [14]. This intervention reduced clinically relevant weight loss Simple, quick and non-invasive methods for nutritional assessment are essential for monitoring nutritional status
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